The No. 1 Culprit for numerous non-contact injuries in sports 🦶🏻
This was my take on the importance of foot biomechanics for volleyball 🏐 and other sports such as 🏀⚽️🏈.
Snippet of the @apexvolleyball Warm Up Science Presentation covering the importance of mobilizing and activating the foot and ankle complex.
#physiotherapy #volleyball #strength #warmup
A week ago, we hopped on a flight to Mexico at 6AM to represent Volleyball Canada. 🇨🇦🏐 Seven days and a podium later, I’ve learned so much about the world of sports physio, myself as a therapist and made memories to last a lifetime.
💭 Here are the biggest things I learned from my 1st international trip as physio for Team Canada at the NORCECA U23 Pan American Cup in León:
🦎 ADAPTABILITY is key.
International tournaments aren’t just about who had the best preparation — they’re also about adjusting to new environments, crowds, foods, schedules, and languages. As the physio, I adapted in my new treatment space, modified tape jobs as needed and found creative solutions for mobility sessions when equipment wasn’t readily available. Adaptability became a core part of the team’s dynamic and we became a better team for it.
⛓️ RESILIENCY = GROWTH.
Having the ability to bounce back after a tough loss is what allows the team to grow. We were not defined by our first two losses, but by how we embraced those learnings and pressed on. The coaching staff did an amazing job at inspiring and uplifting the athletes. By the end of the week, it felt like the whole team had adopted the same “dive in” mindset.
🎨 CULTURAL MOMENTS make the trip.
Some of my favourite memories had nothing to do with the scoreboard — laughing during team meals, trying local dishes, chatting on bus rides, and connecting over shared experiences. Those in-between moments are where bonds are built, and they’re just as valuable as the hours we spent on court.
🍁 PRIDE in representing your country.
There’s an unmistakable feeling when you see the maple leaf on your gear and realize you’re here on behalf of your country. It’s humbling, energizing, and a reminder of the responsibility you carry — not just to perform, but to represent the values and spirit of Canadian sport. 🇨🇦
🙏🏻 Grateful for the athletes, staff, and everyone who made this week unforgettable — and proud of the silver medal we brought home. But the job is not finished! 🐍 This week, I’m looking forward to taking everything I’ve learned from last week and carrying that momentum into the Senior Pan Am Cup. 😤
A few snippets of the past few months as a physio for The National Excellence program at @volleyballcanada 🏐🇨🇦
Always grateful to work with high-level athletes and rep the leaf 🍁 As a sneakerhead, my favourite session was definitely discussing foot biomechanics and choosing the right footwear for volleyball 🤓👟
@vc.nep 🙏🏻
Shoutout to @justynaakusiak for getting all the BTS clips! 👊🏻
#volleyball #physiotherapy #strength #recovery #warmup
LONG & STRONG hip flexors = greater force production in volleyball. 🏐
Here is my take on why the biomechanics of this split squats variation is important to train for volleyball. This exercise can be progressed by holding dumbbells to increase the load, or increasing the stance length to load deeper into the movement.
This can also be adapted into a static or dynamic stretch by placing the back knee on the ground, which is a great stretch for students and desk workers who sit for a prolonged period of time.
#physiotherapy #volleyball #strength #warmup
The ROOT of shoulder strength in many sports hinge upon the Serratus Anterior AKA “The Boxer’s Muscle”. It gets its name from being visibly contracted when boxers reach the end range of their punch.
Its main actions are scapular protraction and upward rotation, which is what the exercise in the video (Push Up Plus) trains.
In volleyball, this muscle stabilizes a strong platform when passing, a strong press when blocking, and stabilizes the shoulder overhead when you hit the ball. 🏐
#physiotherapy #strength #volleyball #pushup
This is the biggest reason why people develop dysfunctional feet over time. 🦶🏻
Here is my take on how to make sure your daily footwear isn’t a coffin for your feet ⚰️😵
If your shoes are very tight on your feet, then spending time training barefoot at home, or replacing some of your shoes with a wider toe box would be ideal for long term physical health. This is your first point of contact with the ground and has huge implications up the kinetic chain.
Not a sponsored ad, but @altrarunning and @saguaroshoes_official have created some products that I enjoy and will benefit others!
More videos to come! 👊🏻
#physiotherapy #volleyball #strength #feet #shoes
This dynamic stretch primarily aims to stretch the lumbar erectors, hamstring and QL muscle.
🙇🏻♂️ These postural muscles can get super stiff after a long day studying or working at a desk.
🏐 In volleyball, these muscles are important in maintaining stable posture in every movement and facilitate shock absorption when jumping and landing. Including this in your next warmup will mobilize the lower back joints and prep your muscles for movement.
🌟 Definitely a favourite amongst my athletes and clients, give it a try during your lunch break or before your next workout!
#physiotherapy #volleyball #strength #warmup
Clinical pearls from my last session discussing Warm Up Science with Apex Volleyball Club! 🏐
Happy to announce that I’ll be joining the club this year as the Performance Director, focusing on safety, performance, and longterm athlete development at Apex.
More educational content to come! #physiotherapy #strength #glutes #gym #volleyball
Mentorship session with UBC PT Ortho Club!
Always fun to meet aspiring clinicians and share some insights/experiences 🙏🏻 Thanks @doingitforthegil for dropping the knowledge and @ubc_pt for hosting us!
#ManualTherapy #Physiotherapy #Movement
